Stories & Guides

Why go out of your way to find the perfect descent when the most impressive ones are right on your doorstep? In the film “Backyard,” Nadine Wallner combines five of the most challenging lines on the Arlberg in Austria, on a tour comprising a total ascent of 10,000 feet. And all in one day. But what do you do if something happens despite meticulous planning? Keep going or call it off? Watch the film and find out.

From his early days, Geny was not just a skier; he embodied freeride skiing in Engelberg, pioneering routes that now draw adventurers from across the globe. As a legend who grew up in Engelberg and has lived and skied there his whole life, Geny has seen himself how the resort, the mountains and the approach to skiing have changed. For him, it’s not about goals or performance. It’s all about being active in nature and fully immersing himself in the moment.

Jérémie Heitz and Kye Peterson are synonymous with freeride skiing excellence. Both ski on another level, all while maintaining their playfulness and infectious psych.

Linda doesn't need to travel the world. Home is more than enough. Growing up in a remote cabin outside of the town, with a cable car as her mode of transport to civilization had a huge impact on how Linda sees the world. For her it is the exploration, the isolation, and the peace she finds when she tours. She seeks out the lesser-known areas to escape the crowds and to push her limits. She isn’t after the extreme, though she rides with the best of them. She is after the experience.

For most mountain families, dreams are made of sharing a fundamental love and passion for the same sports. Whisky and his son are no different. In their story, this passion deepens their father-son relationship, with Whisky being a teacher, introducing his son to all the magic of his powder backyard.

Once a rising star in the world of skiing, Sanne was known for her grace and skills on the slopes. But one day, everything changed. Cascading snow. Terrifying silence. Footsteps above her. Although Sanne was quickly saved, the avalanche caused post-traumatic stress disorder, taking away all of the joy she once found in skiing. In the first episode of “Mountain of Angels”, watch how Sanne fought her way back to experiencing the mountains as safely as she could.

The last push to the top of the ridge. A quick look over the edge. Then dropping down the sheer snow-covered face. Along with these high-octane, high-altitude moments, (in)complete gives unique insight into Jérémie's understanding of freeriding and his development towards true alpinism.

To escape from the hectic activity on the pistes, more and more winter sports enthusiasts are exploring terrain outside designated ski areas. Independent and guided ski tours are also becoming increasingly popular. As in so many situations where people venture into open terrain, certain risks arise and these must be given due consideration. We met Franz Widmer, head of the Mammut Alpine School, to discuss these risks and what steps we can take to prepare for them – to ensure that touring is as safe an experience as possible, allowing participants to fully enjoy the panoramic ascent and fast-paced powder descent.

Jérémie Heitz and Sam Anthamatten are known for pushing the envelope of what is possible. While their skiing is on another level, we wanted to learn about something we can all relate to: relationships, risk assessment and good times in the mountains.